Chickens 101

People ask me all kinds of questions when they find out I have chickens. Now that I'm at the market with a few of my girls, I get dozens of those questions every week. I thought a short, basic chicken lesson would help. For more information, there are hundreds of websites, blogs and pages about chickens. Or maybe someday I'll write a part two. (">

First, let me answer the most common questions.

• No, not all "chickens" lay eggs. Only the female "hens" lay eggs.
• Most young hens lay one egg a day, 5-6 days per week.
• Hens start laying eggs somewhere between 4-6 months old.
• No, not all eggs have chicks in them, only the eggs fertilized... by a rooster...before laying.
• Males and females both have combs and wattles. Most males have more prominent combs and wattles than their female counterparts.
• Most chickens can fly short distances, over fences or up into trees where they naturally roost. 

Next, let's get our terminology straight.

• Adult females are called hens.
• Females that are too young to lay eggs are called pullets.
• Adult males are called roosters.
• Males under 1 year are called cockerels.
• Baby chickens are called chicks.
• A comb is on the top of their heads and the wattles are on the sides of their beaks.
• Chickens loose their feathers once a year in a molt.
• A coop is a hen house with a roost to stand on and a nesting box to lay in.

Finally, here are some other helpful and interesting facts.

• Hens need 12-14 hours daylight to lay eggs. Most free-range hens don't lay during the winter due to the shorter days.
• Chickens live about 5-10 years depending on the breed.
• Some breeds are better layers while others are better for their meat, "broilers" or "fryers".
• Chickens eat most anything. Grubs, popcorn, leftovers and scraps. Feed, water and egg shells and they're good to go!
• DO NOT feed them citrus, avocado skin or pit, raw eggs, salt or sugar.
• They put themselves to bed at sunset.
• Chickens are very social and fun to watch.
• Chickens are easy to take care of. Food, water, hay for the nesting box, a safe place to roost for the night and a safe pen to run around in during the day. Don't forget to check for eggs!

Have fun!   (">